Updating your name legally is a significant life decision, if it’s for marriage, spelling correction, numerology, personal preference, or identity alignment or for any other reason. In India, a valid name change procedure must adhere to a government-approved legal framework, including official publishing in the Gazette Name Change records. Simply changing records like Aadhaar or PAN does not complete the name change process unless the change is registered in the Gazette.
The Gazette Name Change Process in Varanasi is a legally structured and government-recognized procedure accepted across India. Once your new name is approved and published in the Varanasi State Gazette, it gains full legal validity for all government, banking, and official purposes, ensuring permanent and nationwide acceptance.
MakeMyGazette offers a fast, secure, and reliable gazette name change online service tailored specifically for Varanasi residents. From affidavit drafting and document verification to newspaper advertisement publication and final Gazette notification, the platform manages the complete Gazette Name Change process with accuracy and professionalism.
A major advantage of choosing MakeMyGazette is its end-to-end assistance, eliminating the need to visit multiple government offices. With transparent tracking, expert support, and timely processing, the service ensures a smooth, stress-free, and efficient name change procedure in Varanasi.
By choosing MakeMyGazette, you can complete your gazette name change online through a trusted, legally compliant, and hassle-free solution designed to meet every requirement of the Gazette Name Change Process in Varanasi quickly, securely, and with complete peace of mind.
Why People Change Their Name in Varanasi
People choose the Name Change Process in Varanasi for various personal, legal, and documentation-related reasons. Completing a Gazette Name Change Online in Varanasi ensures uniformity across all official records and provides full legal recognition of the new name. Below are the most common and legally valid reasons for requesting a Gazette Name Change:
- Correction of spelling errors in school certificates, Aadhaar, PAN, passport, or other official documents that cause mismatched records
- Surname change after marriage, including adding or adopting the spouse’s surname
- Reverting to a maiden name after divorce to align with previous documents or personal choice
- Personal preference or identity alignment, where an individual adopts a new name that feels more meaningful
- Numerology-based name change, involving spelling corrections or selecting a completely new name
- Name change after gender transition to accurately reflect one’s gender identity
- Name change due to religious conversion, where a new faith encourages adopting a different name
- Name change after adoption or guardianship to match the child’s new family identity
- Correction of initials, expanded names, or full forms for legal and official clarity
- Updating a name to reflect changes in profession, lifestyle, or personal identity when the existing name no longer represents the individual
All the above reasons are legally accepted, provided the applicant follows the complete Name Change Procedure in Varanasi, including affidavit preparation, newspaper publication, and official publication in the Varanasi Gazette with valid supporting documents.
Understand the Gazette Name Change Process
Step-by-Step Gazette Name Change Process In Varanasi
The name change procedure in Varanasi has only the following easy steps: making a Name Change Affidavit, publishing a Newspaper Advertisement, and applying for Varanasi Government Gazette Notification. Once all below steps are completed, your new name becomes legally valid for all government and personal documents.
1. Prepare an Affidavit
- Draft an affidavit on a stamp paper (e.g. ₹10 or ₹20), stating your old name, new name, address, father’s/husband’s name, reason for change, etc.
- Get the affidavit notarized (signed and sealed by a notary public or magistrate).
2. Publish Name-Change Notices in Newspapers
- Place an advertisement in two newspapers: one in English, and one in a regional/local language/newspaper local to your area (for Varanasi, local Uttar Pradesh newspapers).
- The ad should clearly mention: old full name, new full name, parent/spouse’s name, full address, and a statement declaring the name change.
- Keep multiple original copies for future submission.
3. Collect & Prepare Documents for Gazette Submission
When applying for Gazette publication you’ll need:
- Notarized affidavit (original)
- Original newspaper clippings / copies of published ads
- Identity proof (Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, etc.)
- Address proof (if required)
- Passport-size photographs (sometimes self-signed)
- A filled application form (as per Gazette requirements)
- A soft copy (on CD/pen-drive) of the declaration or application (some services ask for this)
- A request letter / cover letter addressed to the concerned authority (e.g. Controller of Publications / Department of Publication)
4. Submit Application for Gazette Notification
You (or your service provider like MakeMyGazette) submit all documents + required fee to the Gazette office (or via online/ courier, if permitted).
For the central Gazette, submissions are typically sent to the office of the Controller of Publications (Government of India).
5. Gazette Notification & Publication
- Once verified, your name change gets published in the official Gazette (Part IV name change section).
- After publication, you (or your service) can download the Gazette notification PDF from the official Gazette website (e.g. egazette.gov.in) by searching your old or new name.
6. Update Your Name Across All Official Documents
Once you have the Gazette copy, you can use it as legal proof everywhere: Aadhaar, PAN, passport, voter ID, bank accounts, licenses, education certificates, etc.
Online Gazette Name Change Process in Varanasi
The online Gazette method is the easiest and fastest way to complete the Name Change process in Varanasi. You can finish the entire procedure from home without visiting any office. Follow the steps given below:
Step 1: Visit the Official Uttar Pradesh Government Gazette Portal
Search on Google for “Uttar Pradesh Gazette Name Change online” and open the official government website.
This is the only authorized portal for Gazette Name Change in Varanasi and Uttar Pradesh.
Step 2: Register and Create an Account
Create your login using:
- Mobile number
- Email ID
You will receive an OTP for verification. After this, your account gets activated.
Step 3: Fill the Online Application Form
Enter all required details:
- Old name
- New name
- Date of birth
- Aadhaar number
- Full address
- Father’s or husband’s name
- Marital status
Make sure the spelling is correct because the Gazette will publish exactly what you type.
Step 4: Upload All Required Documents
You must upload clear, scanned copies of:
- Name Change Affidavit
- Two newspaper publications
- ID proof (Aadhaar Card or PAN Card)
- Address proof (Aadhaar, electricity bill, or ration card)
- Passport-size photo (JPG/PNG)
- Scanned signature
These documents must match the details entered in the form.
Step 5: Pay the Gazette Fee
The online system shows the fee based on your option:
- Standard entry: ₹200 to ₹500
- Urgent entry: ₹1000 to ₹1500
(Fee amounts may change depending on government updates.)
Payment can be made using debit card, UPI, or net banking.
Step 6: Government Verification
A Gazette officer reviews your application and documents.
If anything is incomplete or unclear, you will receive a correction message on your dashboard or email.
After you upload the correct documents, verification continues.
Step 7: Gazette Publication and Download
Once approved, your new name is published in the next Uttar Pradesh State Gazette issue.
You can download the Gazette PDF from your online dashboard.
This PDF is the final and official proof of your Gazette Name Change in Varanasi and can be used for updating Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, school certificates, bank accounts, and all government records.
What Timeline & Cost to Expect
Step-Wise Expenses
| Item | Approximate Cost (INR) | Notes |
| Affidavit | 50 – 200 | Notary fees may vary slightly |
| Newspaper Ads | 500 – 2000 | Depends on English/Local/Hindi newspaper and size of the ad |
| Gazette Fee | 200 – 500 (Standard)1000 – 1500 (Urgent) | Online or offline submission |
| Average Total Cost | 800 – 3500 | Includes affidavit, ads, and Gazette fee |
- Affidavit preparation + notarization typically takes 1–3 days.
- Newspaper publication (ad + waiting for print) takes 1–2 weeks (7 to 14 days) depending on the newspaper schedule.
- Gazette processing & publication often takes 2–6 weeks (some sources say 3–6 weeks, some 30–60 working days), depending on workload and completeness of application.
- Overall, most name-change processes finish within 4 to 8 weeks. MakeMyGazette also states similar timelines for its clients.
What It Means for You If You’re in Varanasi or Nearby
- If you are based in Varanasi or surrounding areas, you can easily complete the process using MakeMyGazette’s online-first services without the need to travel to Delhi.
- While publishing the mandatory newspaper advertisement, it is important to select one local newspaper circulated in Varanasi along with one national or English language newspaper to meet Gazette office requirements. Suitable local newspaper options for Varanasi are available through authorized ad-booking platforms.
- After the Gazette notification is issued, ensure that you safely store both digital and printed copies, as they will be required for updating Aadhaar, PAN, bank accounts, and other official records.
Common Mistakes & What to Watch Out For
- Submitting an affidavit that is incorrectly formatted, incomplete, or unsigned can result in rejection of your application.
- Publishing a newspaper advertisement without mandatory details such as the old name, new name, full address, and parent’s or spouse’s name may cause delays or non-approval.
- Failing to preserve original newspaper clippings is a frequent mistake, as authorities generally require original printed copies rather than photos or screenshots.
- Delays or incomplete submission of required documents, including photographs, identity proof, or soft copies, can significantly postpone Gazette publication.
- Additionally, neglecting to update all official documents after Gazette publication may lead to record mismatches and disrupt the overall timeline.
Makemygazette Plans Structure
| Plan | Price (₹) | Features Included |
| Basic Plan | ₹2,999 | File Preparation Support CD Preparation by Team |
| Standard Plan | ₹6,999 | Complete Documentation Support Representation at Gazette OfficeNewspaper Advertisement Managed by Team CD Preparation Included Government Fees Home Pickup of Documents Gazette PDF Delivery |
| Premium Plan | ₹7,499 | Full End-to-End Documentation Support Gazette Office Representation Newspaper Advertisement Included CD Preparation Included Government Fees Home Document Pickup Gazette PDF Delivery Home Delivery of Physical Gazette Certificate |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How to change names legally in Varanasi?
The legal Name Change Process in Varanasi requires three mandatory steps: preparing a notarized Name Change Affidavit, publishing the name change in two newspapers, and applying for Gazette Name Change in Varanasi. Once the Uttar PradeshGazette publishes your new name, it becomes valid for Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, banks, and all government records.
2. What is the online name change process in Varanasi?
The online name change process in Varanasi is completed through the Uttar PradeshGovernment Gazette portal. You must create an account, fill the form, upload your affidavit, newspaper ads, ID proofs, and pay the fee. After verification, the e-Gazette publishes your new name, making it legally valid across India.
3. What is the name change process in Varanasi for marriage?
For marriage-related Name Change in Varanasi, prepare a marriage affidavit mentioning your husband’s name, marriage date, and reason for surname change. Publish the notice in two newspapers and then apply for the Gazette Name change in Varanasi using your marriage certificate and identity proofs to legally adopt your new married name.
4. What is the name change process in Varanasi after marriage?
After marriage, you must create an affidavit stating your old name and your new married surname, along with marriage details. Publish the information in newspapers and submit all documents to the Uttar PradeshGazette. Once approved, your surname change is legally valid for all documents and government records.
5. What is the easiest way to legally change your name?
The easiest method for Name Change in Varanasi is the online Gazette process, where you apply directly on the Uttar PradeshGovernment portal. You upload your affidavit, newspaper ads, ID proofs, pay the fee, and wait for publication. This method avoids visits and provides the fastest, most convenient legal approval.
6. How much does Gazette cost in Varanasi?
The cost for Gazette Name Change in Varanasi generally includes a standard fee of 200 to 500 for normal processing and 1,000 to 1,500 for urgent processing. Additional expenses like affidavit charges and newspaper ads may increase the total cost, depending on the applicant’s chosen newspapers and notary fees.
7. Is Gazette name change mandatory?
Yes, the Gazette Name change in Varanasi is mandatory for legal validity. An affidavit and newspaper ads alone are not accepted by government departments. The Uttar PradeshGazette notification serves as the final proof required to update Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, bank accounts, and all important identity documents.
8. Can I change my name without newspaper publication?
No, newspaper publication is a compulsory step in the Name change process in Varanasi. The government requires two newspaper ads to confirm public announcement. Without this step, the Uttar PradeshGazette will not process or approve your application, and your new name cannot be legally recognized in official documents.
9. Can I change my name after 10th or 12th?
Yes, you can change your name even after completing 10th or 12th. Once your new name is published in the Uttar PradeshGazette, you can request updates for your school certificates, mark sheets, and educational records. Boards accept Gazette proof as the final legal document for name corrections.
10. How much time does the Varanasi name change process take?
The complete Name change process in Varanasi usually takes 30 to 45 days. The affidavit is done in one day, newspaper ads take one or two days, and Gazette publication depends on verification speed. Standard entries take around a month, while urgent Gazette processing may be completed faster when available
Conclusion
Informal name changes are inappropriate if you want your new name to be officially recognized throughout India for Aadhaar, passports, PANs, bank accounts, education certificates, etc. The safest and most reputable way is to get your name published in the official Gazette.
The procedure can be made much simpler by using a website our website i.e. MakeMyGazette, particularly if you’re in a city outside of Delhi like Varanasi. You can skip traveling and receive assistance at every stage, including composing affidavits, placing newspaper advertising, submitting applications, and receiving the final Gazette.
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